Art First is a contemporary art gallery founded in 1991. Formerly based in Cork Street, Mayfair in Central London, we exhibit British and international art.

Art First represents a stable of artists whose work can be found in the collections of museums and public collections in the UK, the USA, South Africa and worldwide. Art First Projects showcases emerging artists working across a diverse range of studio practices and engaging with traditional & new media.

Remaining free from any particular school or category of painting and sculpture, stylistic consistencies nevertheless emerge. An integrity of visual thinking, strong inner vision, a distinctive formal language, and a high quality of execution and concept are key attributes.

Art First presents a dynamic exhibition programme, re-launched in the new gallery premises at 21 Eastcastle Street in Fitzrovia. The opening exhibition in September 2010 – Simon Lewty, Major Works 1985 – 2010 – coincides with the publication of an extensive monograph on the artist’s life and work. (Black Dog Publishing).

Exhibition details as well as archival information of past exhibitions and publications are listed on relevant pages and on this site. Gallery artists each have their own detailed mini-sites on the ‘Artists’ page.